Hiring Character Animator at Netflix 2026

Job Overview

• Company: Netflix Animation Studios (NAS)
• Position Title: Character Animator
• Department: Feature Animation
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Work Type: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week on-site)
• Salary Range: $80,000 – $160,000 CAD (Total Compensation)
• Experience Required: 2+ years of experience in Feature Film, VFX, Television, or Games

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless, impactful, and globally resonant. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of world-class artists across three vibrant global locations. We are currently seeking a skilled Character Animator to join our team in Vancouver as we embark on our next major animated feature film.

At Netflix, we value artists who bring a unique perspective and a distinct personal style to their creations. This role is for a storyteller who uses movement as their medium, breathing life into characters through a mastery of acting, appeal, and physics.

The Role & Vision

The Character Animator is a vital link in the storytelling chain at Netflix Animation Studios . You are responsible for transforming static rigs into vivid, compelling, and believable performances that drive the narrative forward. We are looking for “thinking” animators—those who understand the subtext of a scene and can translate emotional depth into frame-by-frame excellence.

You will work within a collaborative, high-energy environment where creative discussions are encouraged, and the pursuit of “appeal” is paramount. Whether you are working on a high-octane action sequence or a subtle, dialogue-driven emotional beat, your work must maintain the highest standards of weight, anatomy, and entertainment.

Core Responsibilities

1. Performance and Animation

• Character Breathing: Create high-quality feature animation that conveys clear narrative intent and believable emotional expressions.

• Technical Principles: Apply a deep understanding of animation principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, staging) to ensure every shot has proper weight and physics.

• Dialogue & Acting: Execute sophisticated lip-sync and facial acting that matches the voice performance and character personality.

2. Collaboration and Communication

• Creative Alignment: Work closely with the Director and Animation Leadership to ensure your work stays within the established creative vision of the film.

• Team Synergy: Participate actively in dailies and team reviews. Contribute to creative discussions and offer solutions to visual or technical challenges.

• Feedback Integration: Maintain an open-minded approach to constructive criticism, iterating on shots based on artistic notes to achieve the best possible result.

3. Pipeline and Workflow

• Time Management: Partner with the production team to manage shot quotas and meet rigorous project deadlines without sacrificing quality.

• Tool Adaptability: Stay open to new workflows and proprietary toolsets. Netflix is at the forefront of animation tech, and we value artists who can adapt to evolving software environments.

• Mentorship: Inspire those around you through your craft, fostering a supportive environment that encourages collective improvement.

III. Requirements for Success

To thrive at Netflix Animation Studios, you must balance raw artistic talent with professional discipline.

• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya (or equivalent industry-standard software).

• Portfolio/Reel: A reel (maximum 2 minutes) demonstrating your strongest performances. We look for believable expressions, emotional weight, physics, and a clear sense of entertainment.

• Industry Background: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in animated features, VFX, high-end TV, or AAA games.

• Core Skills: * Exceptional sense of story, pacing, and continuity.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently while remaining a proven team player.

  • A high level of creative imagination and problem-solving ability.

IV. Compensation, Benefits, and Culture

Total Compensation Strategy

Netflix carefully considers a wide range of factors to determine pay, including market indicators, job family, background, skills, and specific experience. The range of $80k – $160k CAD reflects total compensation (note: Netflix does not offer stock options for this role).

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside robust mental health support.

• Life Planning: Retirement programs, family-forming benefits, and paid leave of absence programs.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time away programs for vacation and sick leave.

• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy the collaborative energy of our Vancouver studio at least 3 days a week, with the flexibility of remote work for the remainder.

Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion is a core Netflix value. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. We strive to provide a meaningful and accessible interview experience; accommodation requests are welcomed and supported.

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